‘If KP govt is blamed for terror, why not Balochistan?’

• PTI MNAs question Centre’s ‘double standard’ over worsening law and order in both provinces • Tariq Fazal Chaudhry says issues are ‘provincial subjects’, offers to arrange meeting with CM Bugti ISLAMABAD: Lawmakers from the opposition PTI on Friday questioned why terrorism and lawlessness continued to afflict Balochistan, and called out what they termed the government’s ‘double standard’ when it came to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speaking in the House, PTI MNA Adil Khan Bazai pointed out that terrorism was prevalent in Balochistan despite extraordinary security measures and additional powers granted to law enforcement agencies to control it. “Mr Speaker, the question is where are we heading? We are not heading anywhere except on the path to self-destruction,” he added. As he continued to describe the state of depression in the province, some of his remarks were expunged by Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa, who was chairing the session. Mr Bazai was apparently responding to statements made by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who had blamed the PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for indirectly backing terrorists in the assembly a few days ago. “If terrorism in KP is because of the provincial set-up there, God forbid… [then] what about Balochistan?” the PTI MNA asked the treasury benches. “We [PTI] do not have the government in Balochistan. Will you blame the party heads of that government?” he added. Mr Bazai continued that the people of Punjab were facing the impact of inflation and suffering from the high cost of living. He added that some people were also affected by street crime. “But is all that because of Imran Khan or the PTI?” he questioned. “The situation is more serious than you might think. My driver, guard and personnel assistant have been picked up without any charges or reason,” Mr Bazai alleged, and demanded an explanation from the relevant minister. Speaking after him, PTI MNA Khushal Khan Kakar al...

Original source: Dawn Pakistan